Chapter 27-04/14/2022
Honolulu
Her right wrist is bandaged up. There are no visible bruises but that doesn't mean she doesn't have any. She did complain about her hips hours ago. Eight hours of rest should take care of the headache. Now it looks like it's back. Anyone would have one when nothing is going right. Anyone would have one after listening to her explanation. Does she believe her? Is she regretting not having any spy cams on the plane or is she regretting listening to me?
"I don't think this is working out."
So she doesn't believe her.
"If I wanted him dead, he would've been dead already."
As convincing as that sounds, she should know accidents can happen and an accident did happen.
"I know what he's capable of, okay, and I know him better than everyone so if you want to find it, I'm the only one who can help you."
It sounded convincing months ago but now, it sounds like she's
"What do you think?" Asked Dr. Harrington.
What do I think? That's odd. It's odd that she asked since a moment ago, she looks like she already made up her mind. It has already been a few days. Nothing has changed other than crazy unexpected things happening everyday. There's not much time left so is it worth taking a risk? "I " Adalyn didn't continue after getting interrupted and quickly realized why Aria did so. It's because she knew the only way to be allowed to continue is by saying what the Doc wants to hear.
"It might not be what you're looking for but I know he remembered something. I just need more time."
Time is what we don't have. She should know that. But it's not time's up yet either so… "your call" Adalyn said, giving Dr. Harrington the option since she didn't have much to go by last time. This time, she should know what type of person Aria is other than someone who needs money and now she should know what Aria is willing to do to get it since Aria just realized that her reason isn't persuasive enough; she's voluntarily providing more detail of that moment when Niki was standing in shock watching when she should have been getting the only person who would know how to fly the plane.
"I've seen it before. It's like he didn't know it was me. He tried to hide it but I know, he remembered something."
So she wasn't raped? That's what it sounds like since she didn't use that word. She might not have but she said something right since it persuaded Doc to continue with the deal but is she crazy?
"You knew who she is. You knew what she's capable of, so you must have known the risks involved when you agreed to this."
Doc is right and she's right for going back to using the correct pronoun. She raped doesn't have the same effect as he raped and if she did feel she was raped, would she still be behaving this normally? No women would. But whether it's a man or woman, they would be pissed just like her when the outcome didn't turn out the way as expected. "Ariaaa" Adalyn called out since the conversation isn't over and Aria looks like she's going to do something unpredictable again. Aria did stop and surprisingly, she also managed to change Doc's mind with just one question. It's not a threat but it is another obstacle, one that she should be able to take care of so why is she rubbing her temples? "You think she would?" Adalyn asked, then clarified whom she is referring to in case Doc misunderstood.
"Would you?"
Would I give 20 mil to my crazy ex, whom I have no memory of, who tried to seduce me then accused me of rape, then almost killed me with a gun that's loaded with blanks that she didn't know could kill at close range? Of course, if it would get her to stay away and if I have 20 mil to spare. That's probably why Doc changed her mind. She must have just realized that Aria isn't doing this just for money. It's for the reason that she had said from day 1. She wants her ex to remember...and torture her ex a bit while she's at it since that's all that she can do.
"Where is she? Still sleeping?"
She shouldn't be. She should be feeling better by now. Having side effects to exotic fruits is not uncommon especially when she has never had it before. Taser burns and bruises will take longer. "she's…outside…putting lotion on Vivien's" Adalyn looks up from the cell phone without continuing since there's no need to continue. That's one long sigh. That's because nothing is turning out the way she expected. That's because she must have just realized Aria does know more about her ex than everyone else. The former diamond thief is not that faithful to her wife as she seems, just like Aria said. Told you so.
80 degrees is hot but next to the ocean, it's perfect weather to be lying on the beach. Without having to wear this male disguise would be better but having this blonde beauty to relax with makes it better. There's no way to make it look convincing with this weather especially when everyone is wearing bikinis and shorts. Not wanting to get sunburned is not a good reason. If she didn't know the truth before, she does now.
"Oh yeah, that's good, mm, ahh, don't stop" Lucy stopped pretending after getting a gentle slap on the shoulder since it did what she had wanted to do. Vivien is laughing, hard. Adalyn's guards are watching and probably wondering why. They're probably jealous too.
"It feels so real"
"Ohh"
"the skin I mean, feels like real human skin, do real ones feel like that? The beard feels real too."
Busted. She made the mistake of saying too much and now covering her face in embarrassment and laughing. Maybe she hasn't but no one would be surprised if she has touched a real one before. She's hot, even more so in a bikini and she must have since she agreed to do more than her job as a flight attendant requires. If she's willing to do that, then she must be willing to do anything for money. The question is how much is she getting
"What? Do I have something on my face?"
That's funny. That's what happens when you stare for too long. It could give others the wrong idea. "sunburn, just a little…here" Lucy said, pointing to her own cheek but didn't get a laugh this time like she thought she would.
"you too"
Oh, she's gooood. First came the gratitude for saving her life to start the conversation, then a compliment followed by flirting, then used the fake penis as an excuse to get closer, and now suggesting to hit the water to cool off while touching my bearded face; water as in the ocean or shower? Just how much is she getting paid for this? "I really was trying to get the coffee myself." Lucy said, gently holding hold of Vivien's wrist who should now know there's no need to continue.
"sso…you weren't looking at my bum earlier? I don't mean just a moment ago."
Okaaay. So she did notice. Can't deny that but "I was not thinking of that."
"So what were you thinking when you did this?"
Ohh, this is so unexpected. Touching her bum a moment ago was unintentional. It was her request to put lotion on her back that somehow led to the back of her legs and uncovered portion of her bum. She obviously suggested that on purpose, just like now to make her point. It's wrong to be touching her even if she wants it. It's easy to pull back but sometimes the hand just doesn't want to listen to the mind especially when those almost bare chest and bikini body are coming closer and closer and…
"If you don't want your wife to know, tell her to get lost."
"Get…lost" Lucy said while looking up at Aria but then realized that Aria has more authority here since Vivien left after getting a threat from her.
"You really don't care if your wife finds out, do you?"
"Has it ever occurred to you that maybe it's not what it looks like." She should since she lied to everyone.
"It looks like you want to do more than just touch her…and it looks like you're hiding something. Am I right?"
Why do I even bother. Even Adalyn thinks it's just a coincidence. Pilots drink. That's possible. Some do that. Maybe the current covid situation did affect him personally. Maybe he is going thru some things so he got a drink when he knew he shouldn't have but what did he drink? How much did he drink? Did he take drugs with it? Adalyn doesn't know but believed it was just a coincidence since the captain was holding onto his heart according to Vivien who found him. Doesn't that seem fishy? Apparently not to Adalyn since she hired her before including the pilots which she regretted doing so but there was no option since there's a shortage of pilots now which makes sense but that doesn't mean Vivien doesn't have other motives. What also doesn't make sense is "Why are you still here?" Obviously, she didn't take my threat seriously and somehow convinced Doc to let her stay.
"because…I'm the key"
Say what? Did she forget to take her meds again? Lucy sat up since Aria just got closer. Adalyn's crew are watching but they're not close enough to stop Aria if needed. It doesn't look like she has anything on other than a tank top, shorts and a pair of sunglasses but that doesn't mean she won't be able to do anything. Bruises are still there. It still hurts.
"I'm the only one who can help you…unlock your memory."
"You want to help?...get…away from me." Lucy tried to get up with the intention to leave until she heard Aria's demand. 30 mil? That's a lot but that's not a problem. The problem is her second demand.
"What are you doing?" Aria asked after her sunglasses were taken away.
"Is this it?" Listening devices come in different sizes and shapes. Looks okay though. The electronic watch is more likely. "She's lying. Everything she said is a lie." Lucy spoke to the watch which didn't seem ridiculous a moment ago until she saw Aria's eyeroll. It could still be an act. She's good at that…and she's very good at attracting attention too. There goes her top.
"Want to search me" Aria said, spreading her arms out.
If this isn't a beach, there would be more people looking, not just Adalyn's crew. She's not only annoying, she's shameless although her bra covered more areas than a bikini but really? Is this necessary? Now what is she doing? Lucy pulls her hand back from Aria's grasp.
"Bugs won't work in the water."
That's true but I don't feel like getting wet.
"See, no bugs." Aria said while sitting down on the sand and leaning her left ear forward.
No, no devices in her ears. Those gold earrings could be but she's right. Why would she? If Niki and Adalyn are listening now, they would now know she was lying. If this isn't a beach with no one else close by, she probably wouldn't be talking about this. She's not that shameless after all since she's talking quietly but what the fuck is she talking about? "You feeling okay?" Like Anthony said, people with mpd, bpd, and all types of pds all have one thing in common. They all think abnormally. They all lost touch with reality. They distort the truth. They lie so there's no need to be upset, no need to take them seriously and no need to make them upset. Sarcasm will only push them to do crazy things so it would be better to do as Anthony suggested.
"Don't do that."
"Do what?" Lucy asked, immediately regretting letting her sit so close after suddenly getting a hug that came so fast, her upper body wasn't able to remain in upright position. The kiss that came afterwards wouldn't have lasted as long as it did if Aria is a man. Aria is not but that was not enjoyable either. If that's what she's trying to prove, then she should already know the answer. Lucy wiped her lips with the back of her hand while holding the urge to say what's in her mind since calling her crazy at this moment could elicit the crazy side of her to come out just like 8 hours ago.
"You feel that? You might not like it this time but it doesn't mean it didn't happen. You don't want your wife to know. I get it. You want to forget it ever happened. I get it but what about meee? You said you want to remember so why are you denying it?"
Anthony may be right about people with mental illness but this one is not hard to figure out since her behavior is starting to feel very familiar, kind of like, like the shameless pervert in the white house who would do anything to get rich including selling out his country. If Aunt Erin were here, she would agree. Money can make people do crazy things. Does she really think I'm that naïve to fall for it though? "What am I denying?" Lucy asked calmly like the Doc just to see how far she's going to take this. It didn't take long to get the answer since Aria has nothing to say, surprisingly. She looks frustrated. That's funny but that's not good. She might go into psycho mode again. "I'll tell you what. I'll give you 10 grand for now. You tell them you're not feeling well." Doc, no doubt, would kick her out. "Then once I find out you're telling the truth, I'll give you the 30 mil. Okay?" The threat 8 hours ago didn't work so maybe this will. Nothing to say? There's no need to wait for an answer then. Besides, the body has had enough of the sun.
Lucy continued to walk back to the house but then stopped to look back not only because she just realized she made the same mistake as last time of having her back turned but because Aria just brought up Brooke again. That's an odd question. What does she mean by that?
"She didn't, did she?"
It could be a trick. Scammers do that. Scammers ask vague questions so they can get more information. She might be just someone who knows who I am and now trying to get me to pay up by making up a story. This would explain why Scud doesn't know who she is. She might not even know why Brooke left me so there's no need to tell her and no need to stop walking but that didn't stop her from following.
"Did she tell you she went back looking for you? Did she tell you why she changed her mind? Why she left again?..."
10 grand must not be enough. Questions continued and not just questions; There were accusations, assumptions and her so called "truth." She should know Brooke is no longer here so just saying it doesn't make it a fact. So what if Brooke never mentioned her, it doesn't mean she wanted to forget that I slept with her cousin! So what if she has a similar scar as Brooke, it doesn't mean they're related. No one can prove any of this even if it does make some sense. No one. But only one person can prove she's not lying about everything. Adalyn would know. Make that two. Niki just walked in with the Doc. With others around, this isn't the time to ask. After lunch would be better. That's the plan until they shared their plans.
Whose idea is this? Could be Doc's. She's not a scientist but she's probably seen and heard about things that others haven't so maybe she doesn't think an island infested with giant poisonous gecko-like creatures is all that impossible. There's definitely no need to walk thru the trees by foot when all that is needed is a helicopter and guys who are willing.
"You feeling okay?" Ace looks okay. He should know all he has to do is pretend to be sick if he doesn't want to. Okay. Maybe he did volunteer. "Are you feeling okay?" Lucy asked the woman who's unwilling to say anything in the plane hours ago. Okay. Maybe she's curious since she doesn't look nervous. She looks like she's more concerned with making sure her camera works. That's not going to help find the key but go right ahead. Maybe she wants to prove to Adalyn that she's just as capable as the guys like this guy. He doesn't need to be asked. If Vivien is here, he probably would be looking at her instead of the gun like he can't wait to use it. "Do not shoot unless it's necessary. We don't want to attract attention." It will be difficult not to with the helicopter noise but still, there's no need to use it unless they attack. Hopefully, they learned from last time. Hopefully, they don't show up. But if they do show, then…then…"You're not thinking of making money off this, are you?" Lucy asked, just realizing why this woman would be willing to take this risk. Taking pictures of unique creatures and ancient cave and posting it online is one way to make money. "You know, this is not worth dying for." Maybe she has a lot of debt? "If you need help, I can help." Lucy said in a whisper near her ear and immediately regretted doing so after getting a push on her chest. "Heyyy" Even Ace is confused. Oh geez. This is one of the disadvantages of pretending to be a guy. "That's not what I meant." That's probably what she's thinking since she saw me with Vivien earlier. "I was just" Lucy stopped trying to explain herself to the very quiet woman who hasn't said a word since the pilot's voice just came on from the helmet earphone. "What do you mean we can't go there?" No one cared before so what changed? Forbidden? So what? What are they going to do? Shoot us down? It's still part of US not Russia. "oh c'monn!" The key might not be there but it's worth taking another look. It could help me remember some things I didn't before.
No matter what, this pilot is not willing to take a risk. It's always disappointing when the plan didn't go as planned especially when you're the last one to know about Plan B. Going down from a helicopter isn't difficult. It's quite fun actually and not scary at all even if there's no land to land on but what's with this yacht? "Where we goin?"
"That'll depend on you."
What? Doc's tone has been always calm. This time is no different but did she hear what I said? The helicopter is gone. Engine from the yacht is still noisy so maybe she didn't hear? Inside the yacht would be a better place to talk but what the hell is going on? Why is everyone here?
"I'm glad you're not hurt."
What? Adalyn is acting weird too. There's no reason for her to say that unless whoever is on that island was really planning to shoot. And what's the hug for?
"That was really stupid. You could've died."
huh? It was too late to avoid Aria's hug since it happened right after Adalyn stepped aside. Aria is always odd but for a moment there, she sounded like Amy. Amy would've said that. Amy does not need to be told to let go though. Did she forget what she accused me of doing 11 hours ago? No one is going to believe her now. Doesn't look like anyone cares. "What happened?" The question is towards Niki since she has the look of impatience unlike everyone else who seems relieved. What's the sigh for? She didn't explain but Adalyn did. This time, Niki has a good reason to be acting this way. Are they all nuts? Is there something in the Hawaiian water? Or did they contract the crazy disease from Aria? So what if both Brooke and Jack are dead, it doesn't mean that island is cursed. So what if no one lives there? So what if it's known as the Forbidden island? It's just a myth. "If it's true, I wouldn't be here now."
"Didn't you say you almost died? then somehow your ex brought you back?" Adalyn asked.
How the…stupid Niki. That's how. She told them everything? She probably doesn't believe in the myth since she looks disappointed. It's not her life. Of course she doesn't care as long as the key is found. It has to be the Hawaiian weather. It's too hot. It must be inhibiting them from thinking logically. Even the Doc believes it. Now that's odd. "I need a drink." It's cooler in here but being in this long sleeve outfit is going to take a while to cool down. As nice as this yacht is, the head is starting to hurt from the noises and the movement and …
"hello"
Is he talking to me? He must be since no one else is in here. "Hey" He doesn't look like he works here, definitely not one of Adalyn's guards. "Who are you?" He's too old and he's using a cane. He's not this yacht's pilot. Is he?
"Francois…and you…must be Havier…is that with an X or J or H?"
"How do…Adalynnn!" Lucy stepped out of the pantry doorway while keeping an eye on the old man who doesn't look like a pervert but the way he's looking thru those narrow eyes and glasses gives others the impression that he's thinking of dirty thoughts. Wait. He doesn't know I'm a woman. Does he? It seems that Adalyn is surprised too.
"I told you to wait" Adalyn said.
"If I wait any longer, I might not make it back."
Okay. They know each other and they're talking like they're related...or maybe not. Whoever he is, is there a reason for him to be here?
The pantry isn't a good place to talk. Standing around would be tiring especially for him who seems to be waiting for this moment for a long time since he has a lot to say. There's nothing wrong with talking about his life. Old folks do that especially the ones who came to America with nothing. They love to talk about their accomplishments and never talked negatively about themselves. Surprisingly, he did. His story is a familiar one. To survive, people do things that they never thought they'd do. Then, greed slowly takes over. Whatever he lost must have made him realize that. Having regrets isn't going to bring back what he lost but it's not too late to make up for it. If Amy were here, she might not think he deserves to be forgiven though.
"That's enough." Adalyn said.
huh? What's enough? He's not drinking alcohol. That's water. He didn't say what he did in detail. He didn't say he killed anyone. He didn't say anything that would get him in trouble even if the FBI is listening. She should know who I am. Does she think I'd tell Amy about him?
"If I don't say it now, I might never get a chance."
"Francois"
"ssshh"
Oh, so he's her boss, not Doc? He's too old to be her husband and he's ... woh. Lucy immediately got up from the couch and took one step back even though she knows she's not in any danger but did so because he just lowered himself down on one knee. This isn't the first time this happened. Many did to beg for help. They did to beg for forgiveness. They did because they're forced to. This time, no one forced him to. This time, the reason given is different from all others. No wonder Adalyn didn't think he needs to. "Are you saying you helped him kill my father?"
"Nno! That's not what he said…" Adalyn continued to clarify.
She sounds nervous. There's no need to be. No clarification is needed either. His explanation was very clear. Asking the question was just to make a point. If he needs to apologize for introducing my father to Schaeffer, then everyone in this world is guilty. For him to apologize for something he couldn't foresee, he must believe that hell is waiting for him if he doesn't repent for his sins.
"He didn't know that would happen. He didn't. Can you forgive him?"
It's becoming clearer now. The hugs and the change in her attitude are all because of this. How long has she known? Just recently? cuz she wasn't acting this nice before. "What else are you not telling me?" Why look so surprised? It's not hard to figure out. A man would only kneel to the woman he loves. A man would kneel to save himself and his loved ones. A man would not for this reason. As clear as his explanation was, he didn't explain how he met my father or Schaeffer. That might not be important but if he knew my father, then how come Uncle Nick never mentioned him before? If he's here, then he must know about the key. Was he in the underground chamber that night? There was a man with a cane but he's not him.
"I'll tell you everything but first, can you forgive him?"
So she's not going to tell me if I don't? That makes no sense. What also doesn't is the way she's speaking to him. "Let me handle this. You've done enough." That's disrespectful. Is she in charge or is he in charge? All he wants is a private conversation without her so what's the problem? Her frustration is noticeable. He's not. There she goes. So he is in charge. Getting another apology, this time for her behavior, is unexpected. What was that all about? Is she afraid that he would say something that he shouldn't? Old folks do that. He's not at that senile state yet. He might be old but the way he talks about the current situation in the country shows that he's knowledgeable, not a gullible old man who believes everything in the media. The details given about his past shows that his memory is still intact. That's good but why is he talking about the first time he fell in love and how he proposed? Why is he describing that moment he held his first born? There's nothing wrong with having big dreams for his children. Most parents do but wanting to give them a better life is not an excuse for doing illegal activities to achieve that. That's what Amy would've said to him if she were here. Amy would also wonder why he wants to know if I have any kids. Doesn't he already know? If not, he does now. But just because I don't have any doesn't mean I wouldn't know the difficulties of raising a child. It doesn't mean I don't know how it feels to lose a child. Is this the reason that caused him to have regrets? It could be. He didn't say but what he said afterwards is enough to understand why he was kneeling before. It's not just to ask for forgiveness. It's to ask for understanding and help since he's no longer capable of protecting his family or himself. "Adalynnn!"
Adalyn came back very fast, faster than expected. No wonder she didn't want him to explain but she should know even if he didn't mention his involvement with Jack's organization, it would not change how I feel because the fact is he's involved with Schaeffer's son. "Where is he?" He could be in this yacht. This yacht could be his.
"So you agree?" Adalyn asked.
Why would she ask that? Can't she see my face? It might not be red but she should know this is not a face of happiness. "Is he here?" No? No is good but is that true?
"If you agree, I'll take you to him."
"What?" What meaning why would she think I'd agree not what as in not understanding the situation. There's no need for clarification. Francois' explanation was more than enough. The Russians are looking for the keys and after everyone who's involved with Jack's organization. The only way to fight back is to work together. That's not hard to understand. What's hard to understand is why does she think I would agree to work with someone who wants me dead? "He tried to kill me."
"It was a misunderstanding."
What? "I was there. I didn't forget what happened. Were you there?"
"No she wasn't. She didn't know about it then."
"Francois! pleease"
Whoever she is, she's beginning to sound like a mediator because she's speaking for Schaeffer too.
"He said he didn't know who you were. It was a misunderstanding."
"He does now. Doesn't he? So what's he going to do? Kill me after he gets the key?" Damn it! How could I have missed this? Need to get out of here.
"He doesn't want to kill you. He just" It wasn't fast but it did happened unexpectedly. "What are you doing?" Adalyn asked without taking another step.
"If I kill him, wouldn't his kids want me dead?" Lucy asked while pointing the cane-sword towards the old man whom she didn't expect to say 'good point.' It is a good point though. It's not hard to understand either so why
"not if he deserves it"
Oh. That was unexpected. There's no hesitation. There's frustration, probably frustrated with Francois for saying good point again. But what does she mean by that? "He thinks his father deserved it?" That makes sense if he's an abusive father. "Why?"
"Why do you think? You know what he used to do. Do you think someone like that could be a good parent? Someone like that would have only one woman? Men like him wouldn't give a damn about their kids if they can't help him."
That could be true but it doesn't mean he doesn't want me dead. It could still be a trap. She could be lying. Francois could by lying, as believable as his story sounds. But why would he agree with me a moment ago if he wants me to agree? Why would he be here while knowing there's a chance that I would kill him? Does he really have a problem with his leg?
"Can I just say"
"No" Adalyn said.
There she goes again, cutting him off. Why isn't she allowing him to talk? There's nothing he can say that can make this situation worse. "You want me to believe you, let me make a call." Lucy said, keeping the cane-sword pointed to the old man's chest.
"We are not your enemy. You know that. We want the same things you do. We want to go home too but we can't…not until we find it. I know it's hard to trust us but everything I told you is true. All you have to do is" Adalyn trailed off after getting the cane-sword pointed to her heart.
"Trust? I don't even know your name. Is Adalyn even your real name? Who" Lucy trailed off after getting a response from Francois who clearly has no intention of stopping since he's ignoring Adalyn's request. It didn't seem like he has an issue before but now does since he's spilling out everything about her including her age, where she graduated, how many years she's been working as a lawyer, and personal things that he shouldn't be disclosing to others as a client. There's definitely no need to talk about her ex. No wonder she said he's done enough a moment ago. This client relationship ruined her relationship with her boyfriend and not just her boyfriend.
"You trust her now?"
Is he serious? "I'll trust her if she lets me call my friends. Okay?"
"She won't even let me call my friends. It's a secret. No one can know about this…ssshh"
Is he crazy? Crazy or not, the answer is the same. "Then the answer is no." Lucy said to Adalyn but again got a response from Francois instead. Who's in charge here? Adalyn didn't disagree this time but that doesn't mean she'll do as suggested. Giving me a gun won't help.
"You kids talk. I'm going outside…enjoy the sun…while I can." He said as he got up from the couch.
"Francois"
"I know. I'll be careful."
"Wait" Lucy said before putting the sword back into the other end of the cane. Threatening either of them with this cane-sword isn't going to help.
"Where're you going?" Adalyn asked.
That's a silly question. Where else can I go in this yacht? What else is there to talk about? Whether they're acting or not, it doesn't matter. They're not in charge. The Doc is and surprisingly, she agreed with Adalyn which makes no sense since she was the one who wanted me to call Anthony hours ago so why not now? One more person knowing is one more risk, she said. There's no need to tell him because I'm in no danger. Yea right. How the fuck does she expect me to trust him?
Lucy closed her eyes to rest since nothing can be done now. A choice wasn't given. The yacht is still moving. To where, only they know. Stupid Niki. Only she could contact Scud but she probably won't. She trusts them. Holly doesn't so maybe Holly can… "Go away!" Lucy said to whoever is knocking on the door which, of course, didn't work. "What dya want?" It's rude but she should expect it. "No thank you. I want to walk out by myself not carried out." Okay, maybe I'm overthinking this since she just pour the water into her mouth without touching the opening. "the ac's not working." Only a small amount of cold air is coming out. Turning the knob up did nothing. Iced cold water helps a little.
"They know."
They know yet they didn't fix it. Great. At least the window curtains work. "How much longer?"
"That depends on you."
What is that supposed to mean?
"Everything I said is true. We can't do this without you."
There she goes again giving me a choice as if I have one. "Someone once told me the first ones who joined that organization, the people who created that organization are all dead. So how come he's still alive?" Maybe she doesn't know? Faking death isn't that difficult. She could go ask him.
"I said everything I said is true. I didn't say everything he said is true."
Whaaat?
"If you haven't noticed, he's not all there. Maybe he is telling the truth. Maybe he's not. I don't know. All I can tell you is...he was in a coma for a very long time."
Really? Shot? Or accident?
"He couldn't walk, he couldn't talk after he woke up, he couldn't remember how it happened…"
That can happen especially the ones who have been in a coma for years but couldn't talk? That's rare. Maybe he didn't want to until he figured out what's going on. If he can't remember everything, then he must have somehow injured his head. If he remembers the key, then it must be very valuable.
"He is a friend of my father's. I didn't know who he used to be, what he did, what my father did until the day he passed. My life hasn't been the same since that day my apartment was burglarized."
That doesn't sound like a lie but it's still lacking in detail. How did her father died?
"Francois is not his real name. He just likes it."
That's probably true. He doesn't look like a Francois. He looks more like a Franco. Is that it? She stopped talking so that must be it. Lawyers are very careful with their words so maybe she is. She did offer money to Aria to shut her up. That's what all lawyers do to resolve a situation. She does look like one, even without the suit but "That's a nice story but how do I know if that's true? Even if it is true, how do I know you wouldn't try to kill me after you get the key? His son did…so how" Lucy paused since Adalyn looks confused. "What? He didn't tell you? Oh. It must have slipped his mind. He must not have told Francois either because if he did, Francois wouldn't be just asking me to forgive him, he would be asking me to forgive his son for trying to kill me." Looks like she wasn't there after all. "His last name is Jackman, isn't it?" That's what Francois said unless he made that up, unless there's another Jackman. Oh, looks like he wasn't supposed to say that; she has that same look as before when her personal things were disclosed.
"I don't know."
"Wow, that's a really good answer. Deny knowing anything that's not going to help."
"If that is him, then…he deserved it."
Deservvved? Ohh, he must be dead. He's the one Francois was talking about? Could be. Losing a child is heartbreaking, whether they're a child or an adult unless he's like the orange prevaricator. This makes a little more sense now but damn, that's harsh. Can't blame her though. Her life did turn upside down. Maybe it's because of him. If everyone thought that Francois is dead, then the Russians wouldn't have known about him if he weren't there. He was acting like that was his first time. Maybe he went there to get his share of
"I don't know all the details but I know who you are. We would not be doing this if there is another way."
Obviously, she still doesn't understand the situation. No one else is here wasting their time. "I don't know you. How do I know you don't work for him? How do I know you're not his girlfriend?" What? It's not a stupid question. She should know she looks way too good to be a lawyer. It's not impossible but it's rare. Besides, she's trying way too hard.
"You think he would send his girlfriend to … do you think he would, knowing who you are?" Adalyn said, standing confused, then slowly realizing that she misinterpreted since she looks offended. "I don't mean" Taking steps back without making sure nothing is there is definitely the wrong move. It's not the bed but being forced into the corner of two walls in a room with the one who's known to have a reputation of having many women, one who's known to have killed many, and the only one who can help is a situation no women wants to be in.
"So…you're not his girl?" No? Is that the truth? Can't be Aria. She's too crazy. "Then, how do you know what he's thinking?" Why did those blue eyes just widened? She said she knows him. How well does she know him? A sister would know him very well.
"His girlfriend is a friend of mine."
Ohh. She didn't say that before. So what else is she hiding? Whatever it is, it seems she's unwilling to give out any more information. Doesn't matter. It's irrelevant but this is. "Sso…if I kiss you now, would he come out?"
"He's not here."
It seems that she still doesn't get it. "Will he try to save you?" Those eyes are widening up again. She's scared? Why? "Does he know what I'm doing now?"
"nnno"
That doesn't sound like a lie but "I wouldn't know that. Now would I?" Does she get it now? She should. She's a lawyer. Words are just words. "Do you want me to trust you?" All she has to do is let me make a call. It seems that she really can't. She's letting go of her hands. Finally, she gets it. There's no need to be frightened. It's just a kiss on the face and neck and a touch on the...there she goes.
It's not a hard push. This time Lucy is expecting it.
"So you are his girl." Why not just admit it? She's not denying it. She's not admitting it either. She's standing near the door, looking at it. Why? Is someone telling her to stop? So there is a camera? "Where is it?...here?" The tv is a good place to put the spy cam. Where would they put it though? Fire alarm? Ceiling Lights? Possible. How can I reach that? What is she doing? All the ceiling lights are already off. Turning off the lamp will be too dark to...Ohh. She gets it after all. But that's just the top. Women were wearing less than that on the beach. Some didn't even have their bikini top on. Did she think a kiss would be enough? "Get on" What? She should be expecting this. He should be able to see if he is watching. "Take it off." Okay. No one else needs to see, not those behind the camera, not even him, not even me, only the bed sheets.
Lucy unbuckled the belt and took off the pants before getting on the bed. No one is knocking on the door yet but that doesn't mean no one is watching. It could mean he doesn't care or he's waiting to see what will happen next.
"What're you doing?"
Was she expecting me to just sit next to her and wait or was she expecting me to take my boxer briefs off too?
"There are no cameras here. What are you trying to prove?" Adalyn asked, pulling the sheets up to cover her chest until her wrists were grabbed onto. "Ow, you're hurting me."
"Good, now you know how Vivien feels." Lucy said while holding down her wrists against the bed after climbing on top of her over the sheets.
"What?"
"You hired her so you must know how she feels. Not every client is as nice as me." Still confused? "Are you really a lawyer or just a pimp working for him?" Clear enough?
"I'm a lawyer and I didn't force her if that's what you're implying. She chose to...just like I chose to be here."
That's a good answer but that doesn't mean she's not a pimp. "Prostitution is illegal. Don't you know that or do you think that's not because she chose to?"
"Stealing is illegal. Killing is illegal. So why did you?"
God, I hate lawyers. If Francois were here, he probably would've said good point but he might also agree with me if he knows what went down in the underground chamber that night. She doesn't need to know everything. Letting her know about the auction and the prostitutes should be enough. "Do you still think he's different from his father?" Just because he thinks his father deserved to die doesn't mean he is. He wouldn't be there if he is. His attempt to buy Will proved that he's running a prostitution ring just like his father did.
"There must be a misunderstanding."
"I was there. There's no misunderstanding."
"He was trying to save her from being killed."
Whaaat? What drugs is she on? Maybe not drugs, more like manipulated like those in a cult who would only believe what their cult leader says. Maybe he is watching? Whether he is or not, she just proved one thing. "Do you realize you just proved you're willing to do anything for him? So how can I trust you?" This time, she doesn't look confused. She looks like she's out of patience since she just exhaled loudly. Nothing to say this time? Well I do. "Does Vivien work for him?" If she works for someone else, that still doesn't prove he's not.
"If you're not going to do it, then let go."
Was she thinking that I was? Geez. No wonder she panicked a moment ago. She doesn't seem to be now. There's no reason to be holding onto my forearm since she should know that the answer is still no. There's definitely no reason to hover over me...unless...she has something to say that she doesn't want anyone else to know.
"She chose to."
That could be true. Some do it because it's the fastest way to make a lot of money. Vivien's laugh did seem genuine. She probably chose to this time because it's me.
"I...chose to."
It's not difficult to understand but the mind doesn't function well when it's in this position, being so close to a half naked young woman on the bed, so it took a few seconds. But getting a gentle, familiar kiss on the face unexpectedly, it needs more time to process. Getting another and another, it realizes why she continued after pulling the bedsheets over her head.
She's not his girlfriend. She's his daughter.